of Chelsea, Michigan, formerly of Dexter, age 84, died Friday, August 2, 2024 at The Willows at Howell, where she received excellent care for the last 3 months. She was born April 16, 1940 in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the daughter of Harold & Lucille (Thorpe) Sjostrom.
Ruth graduated Ann Arbor High School in 1958. She retired as a bookkeeper for Ann Arbor Carpets. Ruth grew up attending St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, and helped start Peace Lutheran Church. She and Bill were part of a “Hi-Lo” Camping Group. She enjoyed meeting up for coffee in Dexter Saturday mornings with a group of friends. Ruth enjoyed living in the country, in the house she and Bill built, where she liked to grow vegetables and flowers and watch birds. Ruth was devoted to her friends and family, and especially her grandchildren.
On October 12, 1963, Ruth married William Eugene Koch at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, and he survives. She is also survived by her son, Brian (Amy Jennings) Koch of Pinckney; her daughter, Karen (Kurt) Walworth of Chelsea; grandchildren, Matthew, Catie, Austin, Kylie, Noah, Emma (Nick), and Cori. She was preceded in death by her father, Harold Sjostrom, her step-father, Clarence Rafeld; her mother, Lucille (Thorpe) Rafeld; her brother, Keith Rafeld; and step-brothers, Ed Rafeld, Blair Rafeld, and Clarence “Jeep” Rafeld.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, August 6, 2024, 11:00 am at Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, with Pastor Andy Pronsati officiating. The family received friends at the church Tuesday from 9:30-11 am. Burial was held on Wednesday at Arborcrest Memorial Park in Ann Arbor. Memorial contributions may be made to Peace Lutheran Church. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.
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